Going back to work after being on maternity leave can be a daunting experience. I know, having started back at work in June after a long 13 months away from the office looking after my youngest daughter.

Knowing that you have good, reliable child care in place makes so much difference. It means that you can go to work confident that your child is happy and well cared for.

Earlier this year we started to consider our child care options. We made a list of what we needed from a child care provider and that helped us pick the right one for our little girl, and for us.

Here are some of the things that might be helpful if you are returning to work and/or looking for childcare. These have been written with nursery care in mind, but will also be useful when looking for a childminder.

1. What days will you need childcare? If you need flexible childcare that changes on a weekly basis, check that your chosen nursery can accommodate this. Some require a minimum number of hours per week, while others prefer set days.

2. What hours do they open? Work out if you will be able to drop your child off and make it to work on time, and make it back in time to collect them. Some are open earlier or later than others, and you may be able to agree your working hours to fit in with childcare.

3. Is it in a convenient location? Is it near your home, or on your route to work? If other family members will be collecting your child, is it easy for them to get to? If you don’t drive you will also need to consider if reliable public transport is available.

4. What age do they take children from and to? Some nurseries only look after children up until school age, while others look after older children at breakfast and afterschool clubs, and during school holidays. This can be useful if you need child care outside of school hours, and if you have children of different ages.

5. If you want wrap-around care before and after school or pre-school, will the nursery take your child to school and pick them up?

6. How much will it cost? Some nurseries offer a discount for a full day rate, or for full time children, or if you have more than one child at the same nursery.

7. What arrangements do they have in place for settling in? Many offer settling in sessions (sometimes paid, sometimes for free) starting at an hour and building up until your child is ready to spend a full session at the nursery.

8. If you can, speak to other parents and get their reviews and recommendations – it can be really reassuring to hear from people who actually use that nursery.

9. What is your back up plan? If your child is ill or if for any reason the nursery has to close, do you have alternative arrangements in place? Perhaps a reliable family member or friend could collect your child, and if you do need to leave work early or take unplanned time off, it is worthwhile knowing your rights at work and speaking to your employer about flexible working arrangements.

10. Go and have a look around and meet the staff face to face. What kind of activities will they do with your child and what facilities are available? What is the layout of the nursery like? Do they have plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces? Are there quiet areas for nap time? Are children of all ages cared for together or are they separated into smaller groups?

11. Trust your instincts. If you are unsure about anything, ask. Go and have another look around if you want to. Use the settling in sessions to make sure that you are happy, as well as your child, and if you are not then don’t be afraid to speak up.

12. Check out your local council website for contact details of local nurseries as well as Ofsted reports.

The information on this website is for general information and it is not intended as, nor should it be considered as a substitute for seeing your own GP, midwife or healthcare professional. You are advised to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns or suspect you have a medical problem.
No endorsement of the products, services or websites advertised on this website is implied or intended by The Royal College of General Practitioners.